12 Tags of 2015 Tutorial - April

Hi everyone

Before I get to posting my April tutorial I just wanted to let you know if you don't already that I didn't make it on to the Graphic 45 Design team for this year.  I was a bit sad yesterday as you can imagine but I managed to stay away from the chocolate which is good!!!! ;-)

Today I just wanted to thank you all for the tremendous support and good wishes that you sent to me.  It means the world to me and you will be pleased to know you can uncross those fingers at last!  The good news is that I feel a renewed determination on the crafting front and you will see two brand new tutorials appearing on my ETSY shop shortly as a result of the work I did for the audition.

I do always have fun auditioning as I completely indulge myself and bury myself in all that lovely Graphic 45 paper.  On the plus side too I did get a step closer this year ;-)  I wish the new design team lots and lots of fun this year and I look forward to seeing what they create as always.  I especially want to say congratulations to Clare for her second term as the Graphic 45 UK ambassador.  Hopefully we will bump into each other again soon.

Here is the promised tutorial for this month's 12 Tags of 2015.  I hope that with the post yesterday and all the fun you can see I had with my tag on today's tutorial that I inspire some of you who are perhaps thinking about it to have a go in May.  Which reminds me I must pop over and see what Tim's inspiration is for this month.

and just for fun and a blast from the past here are a couple of other tag tutorials.  This from way back as I was just learning this videoing malarky and it is a review of the first year I played along with the 12 tags of 2012.

Here is a tag from 2013 for you to check out.

Way back in 2012 I also used to play along with the lovely Tag Tuesday group.  They are still going strong so if you check out this video and then click on this link you can see another group of lovely crafters who make tags every week!

I still have all my tags from Tag Tuesday hanging on my wall for inspiration! Many fond memories of a lovely group.

And last but not least a fun tag video I made when I was just starting out on my YouTube journey!  Please imagine me laughing away to myself as I edit the final shots in the video!

So that is it from me for today.  I hope you have fun watching some of my videos.  Don't forget to like and share them as it really helps me promote both my YouTube Channel and my Blog.  X

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend - we have a bank holiday weekend here in the UK so more crafting time for all ;-)

Thank you for popping by x

Tag Tuesday - Windows, Gates, Doors and Portals

I suddenly remembered yesterday was Monday and I hadn't finished my tag for this week so the painting of murals took a back burner whilst I finished off my tag.  I went with door as my inspiration as you can see......

This is the door to the most important place in the world......HOME!  I had to include a wreath as I love them.  I love seeing the many fabulous ideas for door wreaths you can find on Pinterest and it is always on my list to make seasonal wreaths for my front door.  I have Halloween covered (follow this link for a fright!) and at Christmas I always make something with fresh greenery but that is it so far!

I also found this cute phrase on Pinterest so it was perfect for my Shabby Chic house.  Using up some snippets of Graphic 45 Little Darlings to make pretty bunting and that was it so here I am posting early for a change!!!!

It looks like it is going to be another nice day again here today.  I have mural painting to catch up on though I feel a video coming on too!!!!  Maybe I can craft whilst my mural is drying!!!  Busy day for me today then ;-)

If you, like me, love making tags then follow this link to see more tag art inspired by this weeks theme.  Please sign up to follow me if you like my blog and don't forget to email me if you do and I will send you the link to my free thank you tutorial.  

Wishing you a great day full of creativity.  Thank you for popping by X

Tag Tuesday - Wedding

I have been missing in action for a few weeks - I think the weather had a lot to do with my lack of tags although I was also very busy getting my new workshop finished and up for sale.  I had great fun designing The Tag Storage Project and I hope that lots of tag artists out there want to make one of their own - keep your fingers crossed for me.

I go to a fab crop every month where we chat and laugh and fit in the odd bit of crafting.  We have a lovely time this weekend and I caught up with a couple of tags too!!  I am not divulging how much cake, cookies and chocolate I ate but I didn't get any on my wedding tag as you can see!  There is an art to that I am sure ;-)

Weddings make me think of all those wonderful laces and satins we see on gorgeous wedding dress creations and that is what inspired me.  I have used a gorgeous cotton lace which I cut into and made frilly trims for my tag.  I wove two cream satin ribbons for the background of my tag and then stitched on pretty pearl buttons - this one is definitely all about the girl in the wedding!!!  I made a mini bouquet from some more ruched up lace and ribbons and I found a prima flower with a touch of blue which gave me the perfect quote for my wedding tag.  I love it when one thing leads to another!!

Here is a close up of all those lovely trimmings.  I need to check out what next weeks (in two days time) prompt is to see if I can be on time with my Tag Tuesday post for a change!  If you love tags then follow this link to see more wedding inspired tags.

If you are looking for tag storage check out this link.  If you are just popping by....... it is great to see you X

Tag Tuesday Letter Z

Hello from a sunny and warm Derbyshire!  Yippeeeeee the Summer is here at last.  There is one down side to this and that is I am soooooooo late with my final tag of the Alphabet Series.  Whether I get this up before tomorrow is all down to You Tube upload times now.

We started making our Alphabet tags in frosty temperatures and are finishing them in lovely long Summer days.  How the time flies when you are having fun and I have definitely been having that.

Here is my final tag and I just had to celebrate with a great big dollop of blingy sparkle as you can see!

Photos just don't do sparkle any justice at all!!!  I have really loved this challenge and I'd like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to Carolyn over at Tag Tuesday for the fab alphabet challenge it has really inspired some wonderful tags and tag collections.  Follow the link to see what I am talking about.

Here is a fast forward video of how I made my tag which features the tag patterns ZEDBRA on the tag and ZIG ZAG border on the paper bow.  A big thank you also goes to tanglepatterns.com for being a great library of Zentangle patterns and tutorials.

One more video of all my tags in review and if you watch it you will see a sneak peek of the next online workshop and pattern I will be putting up for sale here on my Blog and over at my ETSY shop.  I am really pleased with this great little Tag Storage Project as I now have the perfect place to keep my Zentangle Alphabet collection of tags.  They are easy to look at when I need inspiration and I can display my favourites too.  Keep your eye out for a post in the next couple of days when it goes on sale if you want to make yourself one.  I am being as quick as I can with the final edits whilst still sitting in the sun occasionally whilst it is here!!

I hope that you are enjoying great weather wherever you may be in the world.  I highly recommend a glass of Pimms filled with fruit as you put your feet up and sit in the sun - lovely!

Thank you for popping by X

Tag Tuesday - Zentangle Alphabet W, X and Y

I am a bit behind with the challenge again.  Apologies for  posting 3 tags in one week.  I really can't believe it is the final week of the Alphabet next week.  Where is the time going this year?

Here is my W tag.  When I looked up the patterns associated with this letter there were 2 plus the colour of the tag 'Sea Glass' and that took me down the Water theme appropriate for W too!

The watery pattern is called WAVES, the seaweed is WIST and the fishes scales are WARPED EGGS.  I added a touch of watery shine with my glossy accents.

My X tag fell on the lovely bright blue colour SALTY OCEAN and as you can imagine there were only a few patterns beginning with the letter X.  It was the colour that made me decide to turn my patterns into tiles as the colour reminded me of Moroccan tiles.  More glossy accents to get that tile effect.  The patterns I proacticed are X (simple to write but not to draw!) and XENSO.

....and last but not least is my Y tag which is covered by one pattern, Y-FULL.  I enjoyed drawing this one.  When I flick through all my tags I find that I am drawn to the patterns that have a woven look an almost 3D quality to them.  This fab pattern was designed by the lovely Shoshi a blogging friend who is a skilled Zentangler.   This pattern was the first one she designed.   I am not sure I am quite up to designing a pattern myself yet but I will keep practicing!

I though as we are nearing the end of our Alphabet challenge that I would make a video as I caught up with my tags so if you want to see how I work then please take a look. 

When I was watching this video through I kept seeing glimpses of my sleeve and it almost appears I am wearing a Zentangle patterned blouse!

I am looking forward to seeing everyones collections of tags when we finish our Tag Tuesday Alphabet Challenge next week and I hope to have a home for mine to show you too....though the way time is behaving at the moment I am not promising!!!!

Hope you are having a fun week and that the sun is shining on you - I have my fleecy on again!

Thank you for popping by X

Tag Tuesday - Time for 'T'!

Hello there.  Running a little late again but here is my Tag Tuesday for this week - Hope you think it's TWEET! ;-)

Gradually moving into the blues of the Distress Ink rainbow with Evergreen Bough.  My T patterns this week are TWILE on the leaves, TADPOLES on the sun (although I think they look like laces) and the most feathery T pattern I could find TAGH on the birdie!  Just had to give him a googly eye to finish off this happy bird tag.

Better get my thinking cap on for my Zentangle Tag storage idea as the end of the alphabet is looming fast.  I hope we finish with the sun shining as it is horrible again here today.  Winter is trying to come back I think!

It was my birthday yesterday and hubby took me to my favourite little Shabby Chic cafe for lunch and we arrived in bright sunshine and left in Hail!  Bizarre! Talk about changeable May and it is no better today.  They do say though....

'Cast not a clout 'till May is out'

And I for one definitely will not be casting a clout!  Brrrrrrrrr.

Thank you for popping by X

Tag Tuesday Alphabet - The Letter S

This tag was inspired by a blog friend of mine, Shoshi.  She created the Zentangle pattern SPAWN and I wanted to use it on my tag this week and the tadpole pattern inspired the rest of the design.  It seemed apt to me to place SPAWN in water and then this Lily pond tag appeared!  I used the dragonfly template from my Zentangle card blanks that I sell on line and they fit perfectly as embellishments on my tag.

The other patterns this week are; on the lily pads SNAYLZ TRAYL, in the sky SUNRAY and on the dragon flies wings SHARDS.  If you want to see one of Shoshi's gorgeous Zentangle pieces then please visit her blog.  She has a much more expert hand and delicate hand than me!

I found a really cool irridescent ribbon in my stash that pulled up into a lovely bow to top off my tag and match the Glittery Stickles I used on my fluttering dragonfly wings.

As I was downloading the photo of my tag I also down loaded some photos of our dog Comet that I took this morning in the park and I just had to share this one!

Look at him.....butter wouldn't melt ;-)  Don't worry though a little while later and after a dip in the stream.......

......and a really big shake!  Hey Presto back to white doggy again!  If a little soggy doggy!

If you want to see more tags inspired by the Alphabet then please follow this link to Tag Tuesday.

Thank you for popping by X

Tag Tuesday on a Wednesday!

Who Stole Tuesday???!!!! ;-)

Here is my tag for the Letter R.  I made a spinner tag - can you tell I have just learnt how to make these?....they feature in my card class this week too!  Pass on the knowledge I say.  I am going to make a video of this fun embellishment to a project.  Another thing for the to do list.

There is only one R pattern on this tag and it is RAGZ but I did do two variations of it.  I like the one with the little rivets on it as it looks a bit industrial.  As I said before I made spinners in my tag and I tried to use the Vine app to make a small video of the spinners spinning - but alas although I managed to make the video I cannot seem to find how to get it on my blog.  I know it can be done but cannot work it out at the moment....watch this space!

As I turned my tag over to put the ribbons in I realised I had made a boo boo!  I stuck my tag to the wrong side of its green tag!  What a numpty ;-)  As I couldn't make the video I am sharing the out takes!!

Now I popping to Tag Tuesday to see what the letter R has inspired in the tag art world and then it is time to write my class tutorials....busy, busy.  Thanks for popping by x

I just found the Vine Video when I uploaded some photos from my phone so I hope this is going to work!

It's not HD but you can see the spin!

Tag Tuesday - Letter Q

Hi everyone.  I did think I might have trouble with the letter Q and this weeks alphabet tag.  There are not as many words that begin with Q so I thought I might have the same problems with Zentangle Patterns ........but no there were 3 Q Patterns and I have used them all on my tag this week.  QUANDARY is on the top bow, QUILTZ on the bottom and my favourite this wee (coz it was easy peasy!) was QUEEN'S CROWN which I made a frame around my tag with.

My other inspiration was of course origami paper bows!  I have made tons since I learnt how to make them last weekend!!!  I think I am just about bowed out for a while but they made a cute embellishment on my tag this week.

I made a little fast forward video of this one if you care to follow this link (for some reason the usual direct link to You Tube isn't cooperating today!).

On the subject of tags.  I was blog hopping and found some gorgeous tags inspired by Tim Holtz 12 Tags of 2013 and thanks to Theresa  I am hooked again.  If you want to pop along and see what I mean follow this link.   I am working on my catch up tags and am looking forward to playing along again on the 1st of May.  I think its official I am a tagaholic because I am also creating some online classes for some of the tags I made last year!  Gotta love a tag!  If you love tags to then why not follow this link and visit a lovely bunch of tag artists also inspired by the letter Q this week.

Thanks for popping by X

Christmas in April!

This seems a little strange to post in April but I noticed that I had a video waiting to be edited that I made Christmas last and rather than keep it until next year I thought I would share it now.  Late for last year and early for this year!

I designed this tag for the Christmas Swap over at Tag Tuesday and I had forgotten I taped the process so I could make a tutorial.  Still better late than never.  I am sure that you could make the shaker portion of this tag and display it on a Christmas Card rather than a tag.

Hope you like the tutorial.

Off now to make more bows or I will not get my challenge piece finished!

Thanks for popping by X

Tag Tuesday - Letter P

It's the letter 'P' this week so I am sure there are going to be some funny posts over at Tag Tuesday.  I think the hilarity us Brits find in funny phrases that occur when talking about the letter P is typical of our humour.  It reminds me of those wonderful old seaside post cards.  Just a touch naughty and a lot childish fun!

Dare I say 'My P is green this week!!! ;-)'  

I blame it on the Peeled Paint Distress Ink!  My Zentangle patterns are: around the border PIA and in the centre POKELEAF.  I kept it simple today as I liked the natural looking leafy pattern and wanted to feature it.  I added colour and glossy accents to the leaves and I tried adding a little texture to the border pattern with white PVA glue.  It's not as perfect as I would have liked but it did add another dimension to my tag.

I am off to work on a piece I want to enter into a challenge and to finish editing a video tutorial for a fun paper bow I learnt how to make at the weekend.  I just got my 25th subscriber over on my You Tube Channel so I am all excited this morning.

Wishing you a wonderful day and thank you for popping by X

Tag Tuesday - O Tag

I had a bit of a scare today as when I clicked on the Zentangle Pattern site I have been using to make my tags there were no O patterns.  Oh no I started to panic and then they appeared - just a slow page load ;-)  I thought for a minute I might have to make my own pattern up.......Thinking about it I might just have to do that before my Tag Zentangle Pattern Alphabet is finished.

The sun is shining today though the wind is blowing too so it looks warmer than it is.  I like days like this to sit in the conservatory as it magnifies the warmth of the sun but no cold wind!!!  Makes you nod off if you are not careful though ;-)

Can you see my tag!  This is a bit of a camouflage shot but I thought it was fun.  Today I got to the green part of my Distress Ink Rainbow and so I decide to incorporate leaves in this tag design.  The background tag has the OOF pattern and it lives up to its name as that it what my eyes would have said when I got to the end of the patterning!!!

The leaves show the four stages of the OSKIE pattern and 4 shades of Shabby Shutters (much nicer than grey!)

I am off to make my lunch and then I am nipping over to Tag Tuesday to see what the letter O has inspired this week.  Click on the link and I'll see you over there.

Thanks for popping by.

Tag Tuesday - Letter N

Running a bit late again this week.  I am blaming it on the Easter holidays!!!!  It looks like Spring is finally threatening to arrive in my neck of the woods.  The weatherman is forecasting the weekend for a significant rise in temperatures and cold, rain and snow before then!!!!  Talk about hedging your bets.  I have another yellow tag this week before I move on to the green family of distress inks.  It is definitely a cold acid yellow which is my least favourite shade of yellow which is odd as I do usually tend to favour the colder tones of most other colours.

My Zentangle patterns this week are on the left of the main tag a pretty one called NETTING on the right one that takes ages NINJA STARS!  The little tag on the bottom is NIPA and the top little tag turned out to be my favourite pattern this week NZEPPEL.  I think it has made the tag look a little bit bowed.  What do you think?  It definitely looks more complicated than it was to draw.  If you are keeping up with all the tag art being shared at Tag Tuesday then click on the link!

I am off to learn how to add a Pay Pal button to my blog.  If I master it I will be able to sell my patterns and video tutorials direct from my Blog - that would be cool.

Hope you are having a great week.  I am hoping to announce a giveaway next week so keep popping by!

Tag Tuesday - Letter L

I am so glad I have a yellow tag for my Tag Tuesday submission today - Surely the warm weather will arrive with us soon!  The yellow on the tag is Mustard Seed (Distress Ink) and it works a treat with the black and white Zentangles!

Only two Zentangle patterns this week but it took quite a while to do the background one LOOPLOPP.  It made my slightly cross eyed by the time I finished the whole tag!  The other pattern in the half circles is LOAV IT........... much easier!

I am video editing this week as I have a tutorial I want to share as a giveaway on my blog and other than that I have lots of admin and tidying to do!  At least that means I can stay in warm and cozy today.  The sun is shining today so the snow is melting but we have more bad weather forecast.  At this rate my daffodils are going to bloom in the snow - That would make a nice photo don't you think?  Every cloud!!

So if your reading this in the sunshine somewhere waft a little in the direction of the UK I think we have had enough of Winter now!!

Thanks for popping by X

Tag Tuesday - Letter K

Is it really that time again already?  Time flies when you're having fun!!!!  Here is my K tag for this week.

I have tried my hand at Kandysnake on the border, Keeko on the background and Kuzek for the flowers!  These Zentangle patterns were all a bit more intensive than some I have tried but I enjoyed them all the same.  I did try a bit of pencil shading for the first time but I think I need a bit more practice as I kept putting my hand over my work and smudging the shading!  A touch of glitter and a ribbon finished off my tag for this weeks Tag Tuesday.

Keeping it short but sweet as I have the final bits of my audition post to read through and then I am pressing the button!   Please pop back later to check it out.  Wish me luck X

I am so nervous right now ;-)

Tag Tuesday J Tag is running late!!!!

I can see from my blog I have been missing in action as I haven't posted for over a week!  I am surrounded by lots of lovely Graphic 45 papers and.....shhhhhh keep it under your hat but I am going to audition for the Graphic 45 Design Team.

I am so nervous, excited and a little bit.....shaking in my shoes....well actually my fluffy socks right now.  Hence I am a bad blogger and tagger well at least until I get my audition projects finished and posted!

I did make this weeks tag just before I started with the mayhem but still didn't get time to post it so here is my J Tag for Tag Thursday!!!! ;-)

My J patterns this week are top left - JITTERS, Middle left - JELLY ROLL, Middle right - JONQUAL, Bottom Left - JALOUSIE and the ribbon is JAX.  This week I tried adding a little colour to my Zentangles and I am particularly pleased with the shading I managed to achieve on the Jalousie pattern.  I have had those copper embellishments since forever and finally they have found a home!  They always remind me of Jelly Fish I am not sure why but it is appropriate that they are now swimming on my J tag!

Am I loosing grip on reality? ;-)  I may well be by the time I have to submit my audition!  Keep everything crossed for me and keep a big Blog hug on standby as I might be in need of it!!!!

Thank you for popping by X

Tag Tuesday Alphabet - Letter I

I can't believe it is Tuesday again already!!!  I have decided to take on my biggest ever design and crafting challenge ever so my week has been hectic as it is also the week I prep for my card classes this month.  I am still torn about sharing what I am planning to do as I don't want to jinx it.  I am so excited and nervous at the same time.  Actually a bit scared more than nervous.  But I guess if I don't do it now when will I?  Sorry for teasing!!!  Keep an eye on my blog as I have to announce it there when I do this thing I am working on!!! ;-)

Luckily I am now a couple of tags ahead so here is my itag - could be a smaller version of the iPad or larger version of the iPod!!!!!

My zentangle patterns this week are; top left - Inapod, Bottom Right - Insydout and the pattern between the two is Itsy Twisty.  I love some of these pattern names!  My tag looks a bit autumnal because of the Rusty Hinge background colour and as my flower embellishments look a little like sunflowers I grabbed this fab Graphic 45 paper to photograph it on.

If you like tags and want to see more Alphabet inspired tags then please follow this link and pop along to see what the rest of the Tag Tuesday team have been up to this week.

Thank you for popping by X

Tag Tuesday Alphabet - H and D

Is it Tuesday again already!  How time flies.  I think it is an age thing. ;-)  Here are my tags for this week and finally I am all caught up!  

My D 'catch up' tag is all bejewelled and one side of the tag as black pen on white card and on the other side has white pen on black.  This was quite fun to try and makes you think a bit more about what you can do with your Zentangle patterns.  The patterns for this tag are from the top - Demi, Daggerly, DL Sunray and Drip Drop.

My H tag was entirely worked on Black and it looks very striking on the red background.  The patterns are on the left - Hypnotic, the ribbon is Half Onions and on the right of the tag is Hibred.  Some of the pattern names are fab - Who knew Half Onions wouldn't make you cry!!!

As I promised last week this is the back of all my tags so far.  I am making a lovely Distress Ink Rainbow and I have recorded all the pattern names so that I can use them again one day.  I have a plan to display my tags but I am keeping that under wraps for the final week of this fun Tag Alphabet.

If you like tags and want to see what others have been making for their Tag Alphabet please follow this link to Tag Tuesday.  I may well see you there!!

Oooo mustn't forget this link - If you like Zentangling or want to try it then this is the place to start - a great reference of patterns with full tutorials.

Thank you for popping by x

Tag Tuesday the Alphabet continues....

Here are my tangle tags for this weeks Tag Tuesday - I have G and the catch up letter C.  I am really glad I decided on this theme for my Alphabet of tags as I have been having great fun finding new patterns to try out.  One more week and I will catch up with my late tags!

The C tag Patterns are...... on the right - Camelia,  on the top left - Chemistery, bottom left Candle Glow and my favourite on this tag is the pretty ribbon pattern - Chainlea.

The patterns on the G tag are top right - Gingham and bottom left - Girdy.  I love the 3D look of this pattern.  Makes you feel like you are at the top of a tall structure looking down into the depths!  I tried out the cute stamps my Mum gave me this Christmas from Craftwork Cards that are designed to stamp letters on card candy - cool!  I can see lots of used for these - Thanks  Mum x

Next week when I catch up with my final missing letter I will show you the backs of my tags so you can see how I am cataloging the patterns I am using and how my Distress Ink rainbow is taking shape!

I am finding this project very therapeutic indeed - there is nothing like concentrating on a pattern to free your mind from day to day stuff for a while!  Who needs therapy when you have art????  I have just looked that up on the internet to see if I can claim that as a quote!!  I found out that art therapist is a job so I think that proves my quote - I can't find that anyone has it listed as a quote (time will tell) but in the mean time do I have to be quoted to make it a quote?  For it to be more than a sentence in my blog.......ouch I think I need more art!

Who needs therapy when you have art - Helen Allen

You can quote me on that :-)

Thanks for popping by X

Tag Tuesday Alphabet

Hi everyone.  Here is my tag for this weeks letter F and a catch up letter B tag.  All the main patterns on each tag begin with their letter.  F Tag has examples of Funls, Flukes and Flutter Tile and B Tag has Bales, Black Box, Boomerangs and Barberpole.  I am really enjoying trying out some new Zentangle Patterns.  If you are looking for a great library for hundreds of patterns and tutorials then follow this link!

This weeks F Tag has added flowers and bling and is mounted on one of the new Distress Ink Colours 'Picked Rasberry' - yummy and the B tag just had to have Butterflies and Bling!! It is mounted on another new colour in the Distress Ink range 'Shaded Lilac'.

I am pleased to announce I finally completed my collection of Distress Inks this week and am feeling the need to start collecting the Distress Stains.  I am finding them very useful for inking the edges of things and I also love to splat with them.  Very therapeutic at the end of a stressful day.  Don't ever splat in a white blouse though! ;-(

If you just happened by then I should let you know I am part of the Tag Tuesday Team and for 26 weeks we will be working on Alphabet tags.  If you want to see the huge variety of art that a letter can inspire then please pop along and follow this link to Tag Tuesday!

Thanks for popping by x